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India’s cricketing sensation, Virat Kohli, has made headlines once again by becoming the fastest batter to reach 27,000 international runs. This remarkable achievement took place during the second Test against Bangladesh at Kanpur, where Kohli surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record. Achieving this milestone in just 594 innings, Kohli has solidified his position among the elite cricketers in history.
Virat Kohli breaches another milestone
Kohli’s journey to this landmark is a testament to his extraordinary consistency and skill across all formats of the game. The 35-year-old achieved this feat on Day 4 of the Test match, further enhancing his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest players. Prior to this, he had already set records for being the fastest to reach 25,000 and 26,000 runs, showcasing a trend of rapid scoring that has captivated fans and analysts alike.
Also READ: IND vs BAN [WATCH]: Virat Kohli celebrates as Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Mushfiqur Rahim on Day 4 of the Kanpur Test
A historic comparison of the legends
The comparison between Kohli and Tendulkar is inevitable, given their monumental contributions to Indian cricket. Tendulkar reached the 27,000-run mark in 623 innings back in 2007, while other cricketing legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Ricky Ponting took 648 and 650 innings, respectively. This makes Kohli not only a record-breaker but also a pivotal figure in the ongoing narrative of cricketing excellence.
Fastest to 27,000 International Runs
| Player | Innings Taken |
| Virat Kohli | 594 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 623 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 648 |
| Ricky Ponting | 650 |
Kohli’s consistency across formats
Kohli’s achievement is not just about numbers; it reflects his adaptability and consistency across various formats- Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals. Before this match, he had accumulated impressive statistics:
- Test Runs: 8,871 runs from 114 matches at an average of 48.74
- ODI Runs: 13,906 runs from 295 games at an average of 58.18
- T20I Runs: 4,188 runs from 125 matches at an average of 48.69
These figures demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure and adapt his game as required.
A moment of despair
Despite reaching this significant milestone, Kohli’s innings was cut short when he fell victim to Shakib Al Hasan, who may be playing his final Test match. Attempting a sweep shot, Kohli misjudged the delivery, resulting in a shattered off-stump, a rare sight for a player known for his precision and timing.
As Kohli continues to break records and set new benchmarks in international cricket, fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for this batting maestro. With every innings played, he narrows the gap with Tendulkar’s all-time run record of 34,357 runs, making it evident that he is on a relentless quest for greatness.
Kohli’s achievement of becoming the fastest batter to score 27,000 international runs not only underscores his talent but also positions him as a transformative figure in cricket history. His journey is far from over; with each match played, he writes new chapters in the annals of cricketing lore.
